Heidi Hastings

I have had the opportunity to work with and alongside women, couples, families, including refugee families in volunteer, teaching, and leadership roles. Additionally, as co-owner of Family Medicine Plus, a family practice medical clinic, I am concerned with the health and well being of families. Not only has this deepened my desire to strengthen and advocate for communities, families, and marriages, but my aspiration to further my education has also increased. My graduate school path in Human Development & Family Studies at Texas Woman's University has been explorative and fulfilling through first a Master's and now a Ph.D. Program. In addition to my coursework at TWU, I am proactive in seeking out knowledge and training in the Family Studies and Marriage Education field. I have received certifications with Drs. John and Julie Gottman, and Prep 8.0 Relationship Education, and recently received Sexual Mindfulness training. My journey thus far has led me to ask questions about the adversities families face and how they are overcome. I am excited at the prospect of conducting research and educating families in the Family Studies field, primarily with a focus on marriage topics such as resilience, self-differentiation, commitment, sexuality, infidelity, pornography, family finances, technology, sacrifice, marriage retreats, faith transitions, and marriage maintenance behaviors.